NBA Finals Ends in Stalemate: Heat and Mavericks Split Championship

June 8, 2011
Dallas, Texas

A fevered Dirk Nowitzki led a late comeback in decisive Game 4 of the NBA Finals. The Mavericks and Heat end the best-of-4 series tied at two games a piece. The split title will undoubtedly spark renewed debate over the playoff format. "It's a shame we can't settle this on the court," Nowitzki said after the game, "The fans want it, the players want it, the networks want it. It doesn't make any sense."

The NBA has stubbornly held on to their outdated playoff format as other leagues have taken measures to ensure that no season will end in a tie. Commissioner David Stern defended the league's playoff format, "You have to remember that a lot of these players are 19, 20, 21 years of age and are still learning."

Congressman Gibson (R-NY) is pushing for a congressional intervention. "There's no good reason they can't have a proper championship. The only reason it doesn't happen is because of corruption. Follow the money." It's a poorly kept secret that NBA players often accept improper benefits. Chris Webber, former Michigan Wolverine, knows first hand how scandals can ruin a legacy. "I guarantee that one of these teams will get caught. In a few years they'll vacate their share of the championship and we'll finally have a real national champion."

While the Heat and Mavericks are Co-Champions of the playoffs, we will have to wait until Wednesday to learn who wins the AP Championship as voted on by members of the press. The Los Angles Lakers are currently the favorite to repeat their title.

Here's to hoping the NBA comes to its senses and we can decide champions on the court rather than in court.